XML 31 R29.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, our wholly owned subsidiaries and entities in which we have a controlling financial interest, including variable interest entities (“VIEs”) where we are the primary beneficiary. The consolidated financial statements reflect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). All significant intercompany transactions and balances within these consolidated financial statements have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

Certain line items on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 and consolidated statements of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2018 have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost, and interest applicable to major construction or development projects is capitalized. Costs of improvements that extend the economic life or improve service potential are also capitalized. Capitalized costs are depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Costs for normal repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.

Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives, which are generally as follows: buildings and improvements (8 to 40 years); furniture and equipment (3 to 8 years); and computer equipment and acquired software (3 years). Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life, based on the estimates above, or the lease term.

We evaluate the carrying value of our property and equipment if there are indicators of potential impairment. We perform an analysis to determine the recoverability of the asset’s carrying value by comparing the expected undiscounted future cash flows to the net book value of the asset. If it is determined that the expected undiscounted future cash flows are less than the net book value of the asset, the excess of the net book value over the estimated fair value is recorded in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income within impairment losses. Fair value is generally estimated using valuation techniques that consider the discounted cash flows of the asset using discount and capitalization rates deemed reasonable for the type of asset, as well as prevailing market conditions, appraisals, recent similar transactions in the market and, if appropriate and available, current estimated net sales proceeds from pending offers.

If sufficient information exists to reasonably estimate the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation, including environmental remediation liabilities, we recognize the fair value of the obligation when the obligation is incurred, which is generally upon acquisition, construction or development and/or through the normal operation of the asset.

Assets Held for Sale

We classify a property as held for sale when we commit to a plan to sell the asset, the sale of the asset is probable within one year, and it is unlikely that action to complete the sale will change or that the sale will be withdrawn. When we determine that classification of an asset as held for sale is appropriate, we cease recording depreciation for the asset and value the property at the lower of depreciated cost or fair value, less costs to dispose. Further, the related assets and liabilities of the held for sale property will be classified as assets held for sale in our consolidated balance sheets. Any gains on sales of properties are recognized at the time of sale or deferred and recognized in net income (loss) in subsequent periods as any relevant conditions requiring deferral are satisfied.

Investments in Affiliates

The consolidated financial statements include entities in which we have a controlling financial interest, including VIEs where we are the primary beneficiary. The determination of a controlling financial interest is based upon the terms of the governing agreements of the respective entities, including the evaluation of rights held by other interests. If the entity is considered to be a VIE, we determine whether we are the primary beneficiary, and then consolidate those VIEs for which we have determined we are the primary beneficiary. If the entity in which we hold an interest does not meet the definition of a VIE, we evaluate whether we have a controlling financial interest through our voting interests in the entity. We consolidate entities when we own more than 50 percent of the voting shares of a company or otherwise have a controlling financial interest. References in these financial statements to net income (loss) attributable to stockholders do not include non-controlling interests, which represent the outside ownership interests of our consolidated, non-wholly owned entities and are reported separately.

We hold investments in affiliates that primarily own or lease hotels. Investments in affiliates over which we exercise significant influence, but lack a controlling financial interest, are accounted for using the equity method. We account for investments using the equity method when we have the ability to exercise significant influence over the entity, typically through a more than minimal investment.

Our proportionate share of earnings (losses) from our equity method investments is presented as equity in earnings (losses) from investments in affiliates in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Distributions from investments in affiliates are presented as an operating activity in our consolidated statements of cash flows when such distributions are a return on investment. Distributions from investments in affiliates are recorded as an investing activity in our consolidated statements of cash flows when such distributions are a return of investment.

We assess the recoverability of our equity method investments if there are indicators of potential impairment. If an identified event or change in circumstances requires an evaluation to determine if an investment may have an other-than-temporary impairment, we assess the fair value of the investment based on accepted valuation methodologies, which include discounted cash flows, estimates of sales proceeds and external appraisals. If an investment’s fair value is below its carrying value and the decline is considered to be other-than-temporary, we will recognize an impairment loss in equity in earnings (losses) from investments in affiliates in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Non-controlling Interests

We present the portion of any equity that we do not own in entities that we have a controlling financial interest (and thus consolidate) as non-controlling interests and classify those interests as a component of total equity, separate from total stockholders’ equity, on our consolidated balance sheets. For consolidated joint ventures with pro rata distribution allocations, net income or loss is allocated between the joint venture partners based on their respective stated ownership percentages. In addition, we include net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest in net income (loss) in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. We do not amortize goodwill, but rather evaluate goodwill for potential impairment on an annual basis or at other times during the year if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

We have two reporting units, consolidated and unconsolidated hotels, to which goodwill has been allocated. Certain of the entities that are included in our consolidated financial statements were consolidated subsidiaries of our Parent at the time of its predecessor’s merger with an affiliate of The Blackstone Group L.P. (“Blackstone Merger”). Our Parent allocated goodwill to us based on the relative fair value of our properties compared to that of Parent’s ownership segment as of the date of the Blackstone Merger. We review the carrying value of goodwill by comparing the carrying value of a reporting unit to its fair value. In any year, we may elect to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is in excess of its carrying value. If we cannot determine qualitatively that the fair value is in excess of the carrying value, or we decide to bypass the qualitative assessment, we proceed to the two-step quantitative process. In the first step, we determine the fair value of the reporting unit. The valuation is based on internal projections of expected future cash flows and operating plans, as well as market conditions relative to the operations of our reporting unit. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not impaired and the second step of the impairment test is not necessary. However, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, then the second step must be performed. In the second step, we estimate the implied fair value of goodwill, which is determined by taking the fair value of the reporting unit and allocating it to all of its assets and liabilities (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, the excess is recognized within casualty (gain) loss and impairment loss, net in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets with finite useful lives primarily include an air rights contract and ground lease and operating lease contracts. The air rights contract value is based on the present value of the difference between the contractual rental amounts and the market rental rates for similar contracts, measured over a period equal to the remaining non-cancellable term of the contract. The value of the ground lease and operating lease contracts are based on the present value of the difference between contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the contracts acquired and the estimate of the fair value of rates for corresponding contracts measured over the period equal to the remaining non-cancellable term of the contract. Intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over the remaining term of the contract.

We review all finite lived intangible assets for impairment when circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If the carrying value of an asset group is not recoverable, we recognize an impairment loss for the excess of the carrying value over the fair value in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Asset Acquisitions

We consider an asset acquisition to occur when substantially all the fair value of an acquisition is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. In an acquisition of assets, we are not required to expense our acquisition-related costs, and goodwill is not assigned. We will account for the properties purchased as asset acquisitions by allocating the total cash consideration, including transaction costs, to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed, respectively, on a relative fair value basis.

Business Combinations

We consider a business combination to occur when we take control of a business by acquiring its net assets or equity interests. We record the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and non-controlling interests at fair value as of the acquisition date, including any contingent consideration. We evaluate factors, including market data for similar assets, expected future cash flows discounted at risk-adjusted rates and replacement cost for the assets to determine an appropriate fair value of the assets. Acquisition-related costs, such as due diligence, legal and accounting fees, are expensed in the period incurred and are not capitalized or applied in determining the fair value of the acquired assets.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with original maturities, when purchased, of three months or less.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash includes cash balances established as lender reserves required by our debt agreements and reserves for capital expenditures in accordance with certain of our management agreements. For purposes of our consolidated statement of cash flows, changes in restricted cash caused by changes in lender reserves due to restrictions under our loan agreements are shown as financing activities and changes in deposits for assets we plan to acquire are shown as investing activities.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

An allowance for doubtful accounts is provided on accounts receivable when losses are probable based on historical collection activity and current business conditions.

Leases

We consider an arrangement to contain a lease if it conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for compensation. Right-of-use (“ROU”) assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the present value of our fixed payment obligations. Leases with a term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. We use our estimated incremental borrowing rate to determine the present value of our lease obligations. Our operating leases may require fixed payments, variable payments based on a percentage of revenue or income, or payments equal to the greater of a fixed or variable payment. Variable payments are excluded from the ROU assets and lease liabilities and are recognized in the period in which the obligation is incurred. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Our lease terms include renewal options that we are reasonably certain to exercise, and renewal options controlled by the lessor.

Fair Value Measurements Valuation Hierarchy

Fair Value Measurements—Valuation Hierarchy

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date (an exit price). We use the three-level valuation hierarchy for classification of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The three-level hierarchy of inputs is summarized below:

•

Level 1—Valuation is based upon quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

•

Level 2—Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or other inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the instrument.

•

Level 3—Valuation is based upon other unobservable inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement.

The classification of assets and liabilities within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety at the end of each reporting period.

Derivative Instruments

We may use derivative instruments as part of our overall strategy to manage our exposure to market risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates. We will regularly monitor the financial stability and credit standing of the counterparties to our derivative instruments. Under the terms of certain loan agreements, we may be required to maintain derivative financial instruments to manage interest rates. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

We record all derivatives at fair value. On the date the derivative contract is entered, we designate the derivative as one of the following: a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be paid (“cash flow hedge”); a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability (“fair value hedge”); or an undesignated hedge instrument. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is qualified, designated and highly effective as a cash flow hedge or net investment hedge are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income until they are reclassified into earnings in the same period or

periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is qualified, designated and highly effective as a fair value hedge, along with the gain or loss on the hedged asset or liability that is attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in current period earnings. Changes in the fair value of undesignated derivative instruments and the ineffective portion of designated derivative instruments are reported in current period earnings. Cash flows from designated derivative financial instruments are classified within the same category as the item being hedged in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Cash flows from undesignated derivative financial instruments are included as an investing activity in our consolidated statements of cash flows.

If we determine that we qualify for and will designate a derivative as a hedging instrument, at the designation date we formally document all relationships between hedging activities, including the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes matching all derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges to specific forecasted transactions and linking all derivatives designated as fair value hedges to specific assets and liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.

To the extent we have designated a derivative as a hedging instrument, each reporting period we assess the effectiveness of our designated hedges in offsetting the variability in the cash flows or fair values of the hedged assets or obligations using the Hypothetical Derivative Method. This method compares the cumulative change in fair value of each hedging instrument to the cumulative change in fair value of a hypothetical hedging instrument, which has terms that identically match the critical terms of the respective hedged transactions. Thus, the hypothetical hedging instrument is presumed to perfectly offset the hedged cash flows. Ineffectiveness results when the cumulative change in the fair value of the hedging instrument exceeds the cumulative change in the fair value of the hypothetical hedging instrument. We discontinue hedge accounting prospectively, when the derivative is not highly effective as a hedge, the underlying hedged transaction is no longer probable, or the hedging instrument expires, is sold, terminated or exercised.

Revenue Recognition

Our results of operations primarily consist of room rentals, food and beverage sales and other ancillary goods and services from hotel properties. Other revenues are from our laundry business and service arrangements with Hilton Grand Vacations (“HGV”). Hotel operating revenues are disaggregated into room revenue, food and beverage revenue, ancillary hotel revenue and other revenue on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income to illustrate how economic factors affect the nature, amount and timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows. Rooms revenue is recognized over time when rooms are occupied and food and beverage revenue is recognized at a point in time when goods and services have been delivered or rendered. Ancillary hotel revenue and other revenue is generally recognized at a point in time as goods and services are delivered or rendered.

We assess if we are the principal or agent for certain ancillary services provided by third parties. If we are the principal, we recognize revenue based on the gross sales price. If we are the agent, we recognize revenue net of costs paid to service providers. Payment received for a future stay or event is recognized as an advance deposit, which is included in other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. Advance deposits are recognized as revenue when rooms are occupied or goods or services have been delivered or rendered to our customer. Our advance deposit balance as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $98 million and $90 million, respectively, and are generally recognized as revenue within a one-year period. Additionally, we collect sales, use, occupancy and similar taxes at our hotels, which we present on a net basis (excluded from revenues) in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Currency Transaction

Currency Translation

The United States dollar (“USD”) is our reporting currency and is the functional currency of our consolidated and unconsolidated entities operating in the U.S. The functional currency for our consolidated and unconsolidated entities operating outside of the U.S. is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the respective entity operates. Assets and liabilities measured in foreign currencies are translated into USD at the prevailing exchange rates in effect as of the financial statement date and the related gains and losses, net of applicable deferred income taxes, are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in our consolidated balance sheets. Income and expense accounts are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. Gains and losses from foreign exchange rate changes related to transactions denominated in a currency other than an entity’s function currency are recognized as (loss) gain on foreign currency transactions in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Share-based Compensation

We recognize the cost of services received in share-based payment transactions with employees and non-employee directors as services are received and recognize a corresponding increase in additional paid-in capital for equity classified awards. We account for any forfeitures when they occur.

The measurement objective for these equity awards is the estimated fair value at the grant date of the equity instruments that we will be obligated to issue when employees have rendered the requisite service and satisfied any other conditions necessary to earn the right to benefit from the instruments. The compensation expense for an award classified as an equity instrument is recognized ratably over the requisite service period. The requisite service period is the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for an award.

Income Taxes

We are treated as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and we believe we have been organized and operated, and expect to continue to be organized and operate, in a manner to qualify as a REIT. To qualify as a REIT, we must satisfy requirements related to, among other things, the real estate qualification of sources of our income, the real estate composition and values of our assets, the amounts we distribute to our stockholders annually and the diversity of ownership of our stock. To the extent we continue to remain qualified as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on taxable income generated by our REIT activities that we distribute annually to our stockholders. Accordingly, no provision for U.S. federal income taxes has been included in our accompanying consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 related to our REIT activities, other than the derecognition and remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities associated with our election to be taxed as a REIT and taxes associated with built-in gains related to our assets owned at the date of our spin-off. In addition, we are subject to non-U.S. income tax on foreign held REIT activities. Further, our taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”) are generally subject to U.S. federal, state and local, and foreign income taxes (as applicable).

We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. The objectives of accounting for income taxes are to recognize the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year, to recognize the deferred tax assets and liabilities that relate to tax consequences in future years, which result from differences between the respective tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts, and tax loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the respective temporary differences or operating loss or tax credit carry forwards are expected to be recovered or settled. The realization of deferred tax assets and tax loss and tax credit carry forwards is contingent upon the generation of future taxable income and other restrictions that may exist under the tax laws of the jurisdiction in which a deferred tax asset exists. Valuation allowances are provided to reduce such deferred tax assets to amounts more likely than not to be ultimately realized.

We use a prescribed recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken in a tax return. For all income tax positions, we first determine whether it is “more-likely-than-not” that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. If it is determined that a position meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the benefit recognized in the financial statements is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Adopted Accounting Standards

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2016-02 (“ASU 2016-02”), Leases (Topic 842), which supersedes existing lease accounting guidance in Leases (Topic 840) and generally requires all leases to be recognized on the statement of financial position. We adopted this ASU on January 1, 2019 using the optional transition method, which allows entities to initially apply the ASU at the adoption date without revising comparable periods. We elected certain practical expedients that allowed us to utilize historical lease classifications and elected an accounting policy to continue accounting for leases with an initial term of 12 months and less using existing guidance for operating leases. We did not elect the practical expedient that allows us to use hindsight to reassess our probability of exercising renewal options; however, we did include any renewal options controlled by the lessor. Upon adoption, we recognized an operating lease right-of-use asset of $213 million representing the right to use land, buildings, and equipment over lease terms which include renewal options we have exercised, and renewal options controlled by the lessor, and a corresponding operating lease liability of $213 million representing the present value of our fixed lease payment obligations. We also recognized an $8 million impairment of the operating lease right-of-use asset associated with one of our previously impaired hotels as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle within retained earnings. In addition, we reclassified $25 million of below market lease intangibles from intangibles, net and $8 million of deferred rent liabilities from other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet to the operating lease right-of-use asset. The discount rate used to calculate the operating lease right-of-use asset and operating lease liability was based on our estimated incremental borrowing rate at our adoption date of January 1, 2019.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40), which adds recognition, measurement, and disclosure guidance on implementation costs of cloud computing arrangements. Implementation costs incurred by customers in cloud computing arrangements are deferred if they would be capitalized by customers in software license arrangements under the existing internal-use software guidance. We elected to early adopt this ASU as of January 1, 2019 on a prospective basis and there was no effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”, which will replace the existing “incurred loss” approach with an “expected loss” model for instruments measured at amortized cost. For trade and other receivables, loans and other instruments, the forward looking “expected loss” model will generally result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-19, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses”, which clarifies that operating lease receivables accounted for under ASC 842 are not in the scope of ASU No. 2016-13. Both ASUs are effective January 1, 2020 and require new disclosures. Both ASUs require a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the effect that these ASUs will have on our consolidated financial statements.